Even the sharpest cinema minds can fall into self-sabotage—and Christopher Nolan, known for groundbreaking films like The Dark Knight and Inception, is no exception. He recently opened up about a regret that still haunts him, involving a certain cult classic by Quentin Tarantino.
Nolan, celebrated as one of the most inventive filmmakers of his generation, is famous for crafting intricate and memorable stories. Yet, even perfectionists make mistakes. In a rare moment of candor, he revealed that he "ruined" one of cinema’s greatest experiences for himself: watching Pulp Fiction for the first time.
At the peak of Pulp Fiction's critical praise and pop culture hype, Nolan eagerly read the screenplay before seeing the film. This premature exposure stripped away the surprise and discovery that are central to the magic of movies.
For Christopher Nolan, surprise and genuine discovery are at the very heart of what makes watching a film so special.
The appeal of Pulp Fiction lies in its unexpected twists, turns, and charismatic dialogue—the thrill of not knowing what comes next. By reading the script beforehand, Nolan robbed himself of the spontaneous joy the film offers.
Christopher Nolan’s experience shows how crucial the element of surprise is in cinema, and how even experts can unintentionally spoil their own enjoyment by overexposure.